Generic NamePotassium Citrate

Brand Nameacalka

ClassificationAntiurolithic, Electrolyte cation

Ordered Dose06/16/15 2tabs BID

Mode of ActionActs as the major cation in intracellular fluid, activating many enzymatic reactions essential for physiologic processes, including nerve impulse transmission and cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction. Potassium also helps maintain electroneutrality in cells by controlling exchange of intracellular and extracellular ions. It also helps maintain normal renal function and acid-base balance.

IndicationTo prevent or treat hypokalemia in patients who cant ingest sufficient dietary potassium or who are losing potassium because of a condition (such as hepatic cirrhosis or prolonged vomiting) or drug (such as potassium-wasting diuretics or certain antibiotics)To treat renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis of any etiology,and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones

ContraindicationAcute dehydration, Addisons disease (untreated), concurrent use of potassium- sparing diuretics, crush syndrome, disorders that may delay drug passing through GI tract (potassium citrate), heat cramps, hyperkalemia, hypersensitivity to potassium salts or their components, peptic ulcer disease (potassium citrate), renal impairment with azotemia or oliguria, severe hemolytic anemia, UTI (potassium citrate)

Side EffectsConfusionparalysisparesthesiaweaknessArrhythmiasECG changesThroat pain when swallowingAbdominal painbloody stooldiarrheaflatulenceGI bleeding perforation, Ulcerationintestinal obstructionnauseavomitingDyspneaRashHyperkalemia

Adverse Effects

Drug InteractionACE inhibitors, beta blockers, blood products, cyclosporine, heparin, NSAIDs, potassium- containing drugs, potassium-sparing diuretics: Increased risk of hyperkalemiaamphotericin B, corticosteroids (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids), gentamicin, penicillins, polymyxin B: Possibly hypokalemia anticholinergics, drugs with anticholinergic activity: Increased risk of GI ulceration, stricture, and perforationcalcium salts (parenteral): Possibly arrhythmiasdigoxin: Increased risk of digitalis toxicityinsulin, laxatives, sodium bicarbonate: Decreased serum potassium levelsodium polystyrene sulfonate: Possibly decreased serum potassium level and fluid retentionthiazide diuretics: Possibly hyperkalemia when diuretic is discontinued

Nursing Responsibility